A Budget Under Scrutiny
The Odisha Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 was presented by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the State Legislative Assembly, outlining an ambitious plan with an outlay of Rs. 2,90,000 crores. While the government hailed it as a ‘people-friendly, development-oriented’ budget, Leader of Opposition (LoP) Naveen Patnaik was quick to criticize it, calling it a mere announcement of large sums without ensuring proper implementation.
Patnaik, the former Chief Minister, expressed his skepticism, stating that a significant portion of the previous year’s budget remains unspent. He further attacked the ‘double-engine government,’ accusing it of moving in reverse gear instead of propelling Odisha forward.
Key Highlights of the Budget
Overall Financial Framework
· Total Outlay: Rs. 2,90,000 crores
· Programme Expenditure: Rs. 1,70,000 crore (58.62% of the total budget)
· Capital Outlay: Rs. 65,012 crores (6.11% of GSDP, highest among major states)
· Revenue Surplus: Projected at 3% of GSDP
· Fiscal Deficit: 3.2% of GSDP
· Debt Stock: 12.7% of GSDP
New Initiatives
The budget introduced 16 new initiatives aimed at holistic development:
· Shree Jagannath Darshan Yojana: Rs. 30 crore
· Subhadra Surakhya Yojana: Rs. 153 crore
· Bakul Bana Unnayana: Rs. 50 crore
· Cold Storage Policy: Rs. 60 crore
· Model Mandi: Rs. 50 crore
· Antyodaya Gruha Yojana: Rs. 2603 crore
· Southern and Northern Odisha Development Councils: Rs. 200 crore each
Sector-Wise Allocations
Agriculture & Irrigation
With Odisha’s economy heavily dependent on agriculture, the budget allocates Rs. 37,838 crore for the sector, marking a 12% increase from last year.
· Samrudha Krushaka Yojana: Rs. 6000 crore
· CM-KISAN: Rs. 2020 crore
· Shree Anna Abhiyan: Rs. 600 crore
· Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: Rs. 650 crore
· Mukhyamantri Kamadhenu Yojana: Rs. 146 crore
For irrigation and flood control, Rs. 16,273 crore has been set aside, including:
· Parvati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation (Phase 2): Rs. 1,318 crore
· Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme: Rs. 1,786 crore
Healthcare and Education
Recognizing the need for a robust public healthcare system, the budget earmarks Rs. 23,635 crore for healthcare, with major allocations including:
· Gopabandhu Jana Arogya Yojana: Rs. 6,249 crore
· NIRAMAYA (free medicine): Rs. 939 crore
· Ayushman Bharat – PM Jan Arogya Yojana: Rs. 711 crore
For education, Rs. 41,273 crore has been allocated:
· School & Mass Education: Rs. 31,185 crore
· Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya: Rs. 997 crore
· Scholarship & stipend programs: Rs. 909 crore
Infrastructure and Urban Development
· Mukhyamantri Bus Seva: Rs. 1,085 crores
· Odisha Metro Rail Transport: Rs. 305 crore
· Road Development Programme: Rs. 6,502 crore
· Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana: Rs. 1,700 crore
· Housing (PMAY-Gramin): Rs. 4,500 crore
Women & Social Welfare
Subhadra Yojana (Women Empowerment): Rs. 10,145 crore
Madhubabu Pension Yojana: Rs. 5,370 crore
National Social Assistance Programme: Rs. 3,258 crore
Naveen Patnaik’s Response: A Harsh Critique
While the state government touted the budget as forward-thinking, Naveen Patnaik dismissed it as a hollow announcement. He pointed out key issues, including rising prices of essential commodities, farmer suicides, and increasing unemployment.
“The double-engine government is going in reverse gear. Large sums of money were allocated last year but remain unspent. Announcing figures is not governance; actual expenditure and execution matter,” Patnaik said.
He also highlighted concerns over Mission Shakti’s declining work opportunities for women and questioned the government’s strategy to tackle unemployment. “We will closely watch how much of this budget is actually spent for Odisha’s development,” he concluded.
Government’s Defense: A Visionary Budget?
Odisha Deputy CM Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo defended the budget, calling it ‘people-friendly’ and dismissing Patnaik’s claims. “The former CM will always find faults. This government is focusing on every sector. The way CM Majhi presented the budget in the Assembly—lasting over 2.5 hours—was unprecedented,” Singh Deo remarked.
The government also emphasized that the budget adheres to Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) norms and aims to maintain fiscal discipline while accelerating development.
Will Promises Turn into Action?
The Odisha Budget 2025-26 presents an extensive roadmap for the state’s economic and social development, with significant allocations for agriculture, healthcare, education, and infrastructure. However, opposition leader Naveen Patnaik’s skepticism underscores the challenge of ensuring effective implementation. While the government promises efficiency and progress, the true test will be in execution. The people of Odisha will be watching closely to see if these ambitious plans translate into tangible improvements in their lives.
(With inputs from agencies)
